Line Array Modeling in EASE 4
How can modern Line Arrays be modeled in computer simulations ?
This is actually one of the most interesting topics connected with EASE 4.x.
Some thoughts can be found right here: EASE 4 Line Arrays
What are Line Array DLLs ?
The EASE DLL concept and interface was first time presented to the public in the year 2000 along with a Beta version of EASE 3.1.
A line array is a complex loudspeaker system that cannot be measured, represented or modeled based on the approach of a single point source. Nevertheless software programs can be written which contain specific algorithms that allow to predict the behavior of the complex sound system to a sufficient degree of accuracy.
EASE DLLs are such software programs, they can practically be considered as plug-ins for EASE. A line array DLL is usually developed (programmed) by the loudspeaker manufacturer or by ADA/SDA. It must fulfill a well-defined interface so that EASE and the DLL can understand each other and directly exchange data. Normally it also requires a graphic user interface (GUI) in order to allow the user making adjustments to the system configuration easily.
For manufacturers who do not have direct access to software development teams, we suggest that they either work with us on creating an EASE DLL for them or that they consider utilizing the newly developed GLL concept as outlined further below.
Please note that there is no standard definition for the implementation of a DLL into an acoustic prediction software. Therefore EASE DLLs are normally only compatible with EASE.
What is the new GLL format about ?
The Generic Loudspeaker Library (GLL) concept was published in in the year 2005.
At the 119th AES in New York, an EASE 4.2 Preview was introduced along with the new GLL interface definition.
Two conference papers have been presented in that respect:
>> 119 AES Preprint 6631: New Data Format to Describe Complex Sound Sources
>> 119 AES Preprint 6632: The Significance of Phase Data for the Acoustic Prediction of Combinations of Sound Sources
Another conference paper presented at the 121st AES in San Francisco 2006 discussed in detail the advantages
of utilizing high-resolution data. It was shown that employing the GLL concept allows to achieve more accurate
prediction results.
>> 121 AES Preprint 6987: Modelling of Loudspeaker Systems using High-Resolution Data
The above concepts were summarized in an article published by the Journal of the AES in Jul/Aug 2007:
>> S. Feistel & W. Ahnert, Modeling of Loudspeaker Systems Using High-Resolution Data, J. Audio Eng. Soc., Vol. 55, No. 7/8, 2007 July/August
A fourth conference paper presented in New York highlights the application of the GLL format as a tool
for crossover design and directivity optimization. It demonstrates that high-resolution data can aid
the loudspeaker design process significantly.
>> 123 AES Preprint 7254: Simulating the Directivity Behavior of Loudspeakers with Crossover Filters
The GLL format is a new data format that allows for modelling of complex sound sources, such as line arrays, clusters, columns or multi-way loudspeakers in a very natural way. In addition to acoustic data it includes mechanic and electronic data too. Some of the most interesting facts are that multiple sources can be defined per loudspeaker box, along with crossover filters and other properties. Additionally acoustic data can be stored in its native resolution rather than in a fixed tabular data format. Please refer to our GLL White Paper as well as to the above preprints (www.aes.org) for more details.
After several years of development, we think that the GLL will allow to overcome most of the problems connected to conventional data formats (such as the EASE SPK file format), like for example the definition of power handling, storage of high-resolution complex data, mechanic interaction between boxes as well as external/internal crossovers and parametric filters.
The GLL format is fully supported by EASE 4.2. Additionally, the newly developed EASE SpeakerLab software is available to design, compile and utilize GLL files directly. With this design software importing and viewing balloon data in high resolution has been made very easy. Also crossover filters and parametric EQs can be entered and their effect on the radiation pattern can be examined immediately.
Loudspeaker manufacturers and loudspeaker designers are invited to join the EASE Beta group. Please contact us through info[AT]afmg.eu.
Which Line Array DLLs are available?
For more information about the particular manufacturer DLL's already released please see:
d&b audiotechnik :
Jan 2007: d&b Q & J Line Array DLL developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with d&b audiotechnik, Germany
May 2004: d&b Q Line Array DLL developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with d&b audiotechnik, Germany
Dec 2003: d&b C3 Cluster DLL developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with d&b audiotechnik, Germany
Nexo :
Sep 2006: New Nexo geoD DLL and updates for geoS and geoT DLL, developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with Nexo, France
Apr 2004: Nexo geoT DLL and geoS DLL update developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with Nexo, France
Jun 2003: Nexo geoS8 DLL developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with Nexo, France
QSC Audio :
Aug 2006: New QSC ILA DLL and updated QSC WideLine DLL, developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with QSC Audio, California
July 2005: QSC WideLine DLL developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with QSC Audio, California
D.A.S. Audio :
July 2006: New DLLs for D.A.S. Aero and Variant systems, developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with D.A.S. Audio, Spain
Hacousto :
May 2006: Hacousto Messenger DLL developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with Hacousto, The Netherlands
Dynacord :
Apr 2006: Dynacord Cobra DLL developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with Dynacord, Germany
TOA :
Oct 2005: EASE DLL for Type S, Type A and HX-5 Systems developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with TOA Electronics, Japan
Renkus-Heinz :
Oct 2005: Renkus-Heinz DLL for Iconyx Arrays developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with Renkus-Heinz, California
Feb 2005: Renkus-Heinz DLL update for PN/PNX and ST/STX line arrays developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with Renkus-Heinz, California
EVI-Audio :
July 2005: EV XLVC DLL developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with EVI-Audio, Minnesota
Dec 2002: EV XLine DLL and XLC DLL developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with EVI-Audio, Minnesota
HK Audio :
Mar 2005: HK Audio Cohedra Compact DLL developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with HK Audio, Germany
May 2004: HK Audio Cohedra DLL developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with HK Audio, Germany
Sound Projects :
August 2004: Sound Projects Linex DLL developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with Sound Projects, The Netherlands
Duran Audio :
May 2003: Intellivox DLLs developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with Duran Audio, The Netherlands
JBL-Pro :
Dec 2003: JBL Vertec Version 2 DLLs developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with JBL-Pro, California
Dec 2002: JBL Vertec DLL developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with JBL-Pro, California
L'Acoustics :
Dec 2002: L-Acoustics WST DLL developed by SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH
in cooperation with L'Acoustics, France
The following manufacturers offer independently created DLLs for EASE:
JBL Professional for new products
EAW for DSA and KF series
Outline for Butterfly series
McCauley for Monarc series
Martin Audio for W8L series
SLS Loudspeakers for RLA series
For more information about SDA see: Software Design Ahnert GmbH
The latest versions of these DLL's can be downloaded using the "Help/Speakerbase Update" menu item, which was introduced with EASE 4.0, subversion #40.